Team Quest - Training Camp

Portland, Oregon

Jason Dent and Richard Catalano ventured all the way across the country to Portland Oregon where they would get to train at Team Quest for a three day camp. The Team Quest group is made of many great fighters in the MMA game. Randy “The Natural” Couture, Matt “The Law” Lindland and many other top rated fighters make up one of the countries best fight clubs. Couture, Lindland, and Robert Follis gym president instructed the camp. Each instructor presented the material in a prolific and professional manner. The Team Quest facility is under construction and amidst a huge expansion to allow for a kickboxing area, a new locker/shower area, and even more mat space. The former auto showroom is rapidly being transformed into a state of the art MMA training facility. Classes began Friday evening with an introduction, take down ideas, and thoughts on getting up off your back. Being on your back can be a offensive place to be but you can benefit from being able to get back to you feet when you want to. Robert Follis also stressed the importance of muscle memory. Don’t be discouraged if at first you don’t do a move with perfection. The move may be NEW to your body and the brain needs to “teach” the muscles to move and react. This process takes time; be patient with it. The first night of camp was a great introduction and two hours of education from 8-10pm.Saturday morning brought three hours from 9am-12noon educating and training which included one hour with Robert, Matt, and last but not least Randy. During each one of these hours each instructor taught a series moves. The major strength of Team Quest is obviously thier wrestling credentials, now don't get me wrong they have good Jiu-Jitsu, and kickboxing skills too boot. Most all three hours were either takedowns, getting off of your back with out using your guard, and we spent a lot of time discussing about using angles with your clinching and takedowns.After a three hour break Saturday afternoon from 3pm-6pm we were given the opportunity to dawn gloves and work on striking techniques. This included getting off the ropes or fence, and closing the distance to obtain the clinch when being struck at. Saturday evening concluded with some interesting relaxation and positive affirmation techniques Randy learned while training with the US Olympic wrestling team in Colorado Springs. Sunday morning brought us to the last two hours of the weekend; Randy, Matt, and Robert presented a question and answer period, followed by nutrition, and some kicking ideas. Randy stressed blocking the punches and kicks he said that you better have it in your mind that you are going to get hit because if you try to fight without getting hit you will get hit worrying about it to much. Jason had the chance to do some free rolling with a member of the Quest team before it was time to jet back to Cleveland.Every technique over the weekend was followed by a chance to try each move; we also traded partners through out the weekend in order to sharpen our game. Each instructor floated around the room, making suggestions, instructing and participating with the students.Quest camp is held every few months in Portland anyone looking to strengthen their game and train along side UFC vets should check out the camp. Its adventure worth your time and will surely prove invaluable.Written by:Richard Catalano